The Spanish midfielder, 27, put in a footballing masterclass in the 5-2 north London derby at the weekend, and although Wilshere was reluctant to compare the £16million signing to his old pal Fabregas, he admits Cazorla has more in his armour than the ex-Gunners favourite.

‘He was different class,’ said Wilshere.

‘He is a dream to play with. He never gives the ball away. There was one point when there were three players around him and he just dribbled out of it. That is up there with the best.

‘I’ll have to watch it again to learn a few things off him. He is a different player to Cesc (Fabregas). Cesc is more of a passer. With Santi he can pick the ball up, beat people. He has a great shot.’

Wilshere also reinforced manager Arsene Wenger’s pleas for Theo Walcott to end speculation regarding his future and sign a new deal at the Emirates.

‘I hope he signs — he’s great to have around,’ said the midfielder.

‘We all know what Theo brings to the team. He has got pace, he can go behind and his movement and timing of the runs is probably the best around.

‘So he can play anywhere up front, right, left, central. He want to play down the middle, so I think he will get his chance – he will just have to be patient.’